132nd Tolmie Sports, 10th February 2018

The Tradition Continues .......

On Saturday, 10th February, 2018, the quiet little hamlet of Tolmie will come alive when it hosts the 132nd Tolmie Sports - a country event which started out as a School Picnic Sports Day back in 1886. Many of the original events are still held today, such as the foot races, the Dog Jump, the wood chopping and the equestrian events - and these are as popular as ever.

What can you expect from a day at the 132nd Tolmie Sports? Aside from the novelty events and foot races for adults and children, there will be plenty of country fun - with raffles, Guessing competitions and entertainment for all, including Trixie the Clown, “Bash the Rat”, face painting and woodworking displays, local historical & craft displays, a Whipcracker, the Cross Cut Saw and Egg Toss. The CFA's Mobile Education Unit will be a feature at this year's Sports, along with the perennial favourite - the "Boys Toys" display. Old favourites the Fergie Club, Andy the Blacksmith and the Bush furniture display are also very popular with both our locals and visitors.

The Axeman and Equestrian programmes run throughout the day; one of the big highlights being the Three Man Challenge Event, involving a race between teams - each consisting of an axeman, a runner and a horse & rider. This year the Equestrian programme will see the running of the inaugural Jan Purcell Memorial Open Hunter Race - named and run in honour of one of Tolmie's finest horsewomen. We look forward to perpetuating Jan's legacy via this particular race at the Tolmie Sports each year; a special trophy will be presented in her honour.

The day will also include one of our most anticipated and loved events - the Dog Jump.

There will be lots of stalls & food outlets selling yummy wholesome country tucker to suit all tastes, or you can bring along a picnic and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and spirit of a good old fashioned country sports day. The Tolmie Mechanics Institute Hall will double as the "Tearooms" for the day, where you can take some quiet time out to relax and enjoy homemade sandwiches and cakes, and a Devonshire Tea with the best scones in the North-East!

This year will also see the Life Membership induction of a very special member of the greater Mansfield community. This person has contributed for many years to not only the Tolmie Sports, but to the wider community.

You can keep up to date with all that is happening on Tolmie Sports Day, on our Facebook page - tell your friends to come along and experience a day you will always remember!!

The Tolmie Sports is generously supported by local businesses in Tolmie, and in and around Mansfield. All profits are returned to the community and to the ongoing yearly production of the Tolmie Sports.